The Big Piece can still dazzle us with his monster home runs. (PHOTO: AP)
Kyle Kendrick pitched a gem and the offense was able to put up four runs as the Phillies topped the Mets Friday night at a atmosphere-less Citi Field. Michael Young and Ryan Howard drove in all the runs for the Phillies in the sixth inning, and the game featured just three umpires after home plate umpire Brian O’Nora ran off the field in the first inning with what was later called “flu-like symptoms.” The game was delayed for a few minutes while first base ump Adrian Johnson went to get the proper gear to take O’Nora’s place. Very odd.
SHUTOUT FOR KENDRICK
Kyle Kendrick pitched his third complete game of his career, and second shutout. His first was back in May of last year against the Cardinals. His final line tonight: 9 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K, lowering his season ERA to 2.41, which is best among Phillies starters.
He was in command of his pitches all night and tossed ground ball after ground ball (10 in total). He induced nine whiffs and threw first pitch strikes to twenty-two batters. By the end of the night, he was just four batters over the minimum. Fantastic outing.
If this is the Kyle Kendrick that we are going to be seeing this year, it could be a big factor in how many wins the Phillies will have.
TOP FOUR GETTING IT DONE
The top four of Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Michael Young, and Ryan Howard were a combined 6-15 with a walk, four RBI and four runs scored. Three of the runs came on a home run by Ryan Howard in the 6th, which came directly after M. Young’s RBI single.
However, the bottom of the lineup continues to struggle. The Phillies really need Carlos Ruiz back. And maybe Delmon Young as well.
OTHER NOTES:
Jimmy Rollins was picked off of first base in the first inning. He looked like he avoided the tag, but the throw beat him by a mile.
The Phillies offense was 2-7 with runners in scoring position, and just left five on base all night. Very nice, compared to what we’ve seen lately.
Tomorrow, the Phillies and Mets square off again, with Jonathan Pettibone and Shawn Marcum getting the ball for the Phillies and Mets, respectively.
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